Rules that were implemented by Ofcom in February last year require companies to supply a customer with a MAC code for switching within five working days, but research by comparison site uSwitch has found this is often not happening.

The figures show that, since February 2007, almost four out of ten broadband switchers did not receive their code within five days, while around 14 per cent of MAC requests have had no response at all.

Steve Weller, communications expert at uSwitch.com, comments: “It’s disappointing that despite the mandatory code of practice being introduced, providers are still dragging their heels at the customer’s expense. MAC codes not only enable customers to move to a new broadband service quickly and smoothly, but they ensure that bills from the old supplier stop.

He added that MAC codes are so important that some companies will not take on a new customer if they do not already have one.

In related news, the European Commission has granted permission for rules guarding against a broadband company monopolising the market to lapse, reports the BBC.

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